Gujarat government employees get a bonanza

GANDHINAGAR – Chief Minister Narendra Modi Friday announced a bonanza for government employees on the eve of Gujarat’s 50th foundation day.

“Karmayogis (government employees) will get an increase in the Dearness Allowance (DA) of 8 percent from the existing 27 percent to 35 percent with effect from Jan 1, 2010,” he announced.

The increased DA will be disbursed in cash from April 1 while the difference in the DA for the period from Jan 1 to March 31 this year would be deposited in their Provident Fund Accounts. Modi also announced a similar 8 percent increase in the DA of pensioners on a temporary basis.

The decision will benefit about 4.91 lakh employees and 3.25 lakh pensioners, costing the state exchequer additional Rs.687 crore and Rs.247 crore respectively making for a total of Rs.934 crore.

Similarly, the government also announced a hike in emoluments of fixed salary employees ranging from 33 percent to 88 percent effective May 1.

Additionally police constables, head constables and assistant sub-inspectors – about 68,000 uniformed men – would now get leave encashment in accordance with the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations with retrospective effect from April 1, 2009.

About 1.25 lakh fixed salary government employees are expected to benefit from the increase. About 258,860 primary teachers drawing Rs.2,500 per month will get a Rs.2,000 raise while higher secondary teachers would get a Rs.1,500 to Rs.5,000 raise